It didn’t take long for Saquon Barkley to remind everyone why he was once the centerpiece of the New York Giants’ offense. On the very first play of the NFC Championship, Barkley exploded for a 60-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for a 55-23 Philadelphia Eagles blowout over the Washington Commanders that sent Philly back to the Super Bowl.
By the time the final whistle blew, Barkley had racked up 118 rushing yards and three touchdowns—putting on yet another clinic in what has become a season-long highlight reel.
For the Giants, it’s another gut punch in a year filled with them. Watching Barkley dominate for a division rival, in a game of this magnitude, is the ultimate “what could have been” moment. Letting him walk in free agency wasn’t just a mistake; it’s looking like the franchise’s biggest blunder in decades.
The Eagles, already one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, added a player who has completely transformed their offense. Meanwhile, the Giants struggled to find any semblance of stability in their backfield, with rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. doing his best to fill shoes that were simply too big.
Saquon Barkley’s brilliance exposes Giants’ glaring failure
What makes Barkley’s dominance sting even more is the context of how his departure unfolded. Giants GM Joe Schoen's decision to let Barkley walk was painfully laid bare on Hard Knocks: Offseason, where awkward clashes with ownership about re-signing the star back were broadcast for everyone to see. The Giants front office gambled on replacing Barkley with younger, cheaper options—and now, as Barkley celebrates another Super Bowl trip, that gamble looks worse than ever.
And poor John Mara, the Giants owner hasn't had a good night's sleep in months.
“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia” -John Mara
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) January 26, 2025
Saquon Barkley now heads to his first career Super Bowl with Philly 🦅 pic.twitter.com/SI3QkzVWyZ
This game wasn’t just a showcase for Barkley’s talents; it was a glaring indictment of the Giants’ decision-making.
The Eagles didn’t just sign Barkley—they unleashed him. His three-touchdown performance against Washington perfectly encapsulated why he’s been an MVP candidate all season. His ability to break open a game on any play is something the Giants sorely missed during their dismal 3-14 campaign.
While the Eagles prepare for their second Super Bowl appearance in three years, the Giants are left to reflect on a season defined by missteps. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are under the microscope for letting Barkley walk, and this performance only magnifies their error.
Barkley is thriving in Philadelphia, and it’s impossible not to think about what could have been. For the Giants, the regret isn’t just about losing Barkley—it’s about realizing how far they’ve fallen without him.